Kankakee County, IL – Kankakee County’s park districts have collectively been awarded a substantial $1.7 million in grants through the Illinois Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant Program. This significant funding will benefit multiple park districts within the county, each contributing to the enhancement of local recreational spaces.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Kankakee Valley Park District is a notable recipient, securing $600,000 of this grant. The Limestone Park District and the Village of Bradley Park District are among other key beneficiaries, receiving $500,000 and $600,000 respectively. These funds are part of nearly $55 million in state grants allocated for 111 local park projects across Illinois, as announced by Governor JB Pritzker.
““We are thrilled to announce the Kankakee Valley Park District was awarded $600,000 through the State of Illinois OSLAD Grant Program,” the Kankakee Valley Park District said in a statement Wednesday. “We are excited to invest, repair and build our outdoor recreation projects for our community. This grant will spearhead upcoming improvements to Bird Park.”
This year marks the 37th anniversary of the OSLAD program, which has played a critical role in developing and rejuvenating parks throughout the state. With a history of nearly $585 million in awarded funds, the program continues to support the creation of accessible and engaging parks. The combined $1.7 million awarded to Kankakee County’s park districts underscores the state’s commitment to fostering healthier communities and promoting outdoor activities.
Additionally, the OSLAD Grant Program’s impact extends beyond Kankakee County, with significant allocations to neighboring counties. Will County’s park districts are set to receive a total of $1.434 million, funding projects in Frankfort Square, Lockport Township, Manhattan, and Shorewood. Meanwhile, Cook County’s various park districts, including Alsip, Arlington Heights, and Chicago Heights, have been awarded a substantial $9.093 million.
